It's the kind of advertising that most manufacturers would kill for. There, under the holiday tree, is a radio-controlled version of a pickup or a video game featuring the vehicle that can climb and tear up the terrain just like the real thing.

"We knew we had a winner on our hands when we first introduced Raptor to the toy and video game companies three years ago," said Mark Bentley, a manager for Ford's licensing arm, in a statement. "Licensing executives from all the top brands immediately understood Raptor's potential."

The toy's success parallels what's happening with the real truck. We recently wrote about how the pickup is basically unchanged since being introduced several years ago, yet Raptor sales are up 40% this year and it just had its two best months ever in October and November.

Raptor product licenses wrap around the world, including sales in Canada, Germany, Japan, China and Brazil. Mattel licenses Raptor for its Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands. For the youngest motoring enthusiasts, Fisher-Price licenses a Raptor Power Wheels Ride-On. Ford says it's a hit at Wal-Mart.

When it comes to video games, Electronic Arts features Raptor in its Need for Speed game, as does Microsoft's Forza Motorsport 4 racing simulator game.

"Raptor products can be found in nearly every major distribution channel," said Bentley. "Raptor is everywhere."